Malawi Government says it has advised its citizens working and studying in Israel to be safe by taking heed of safety advisory from the Israeli Government amid the Israel-Iran war.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Charles Nkhalamba said in a written response yesterday that they are aware that the Government of Israel declared a State of Emergency.
He said the move placed a ban on education activities, gatherings and workplace operations except for essential services apart from closing its airspace prior to the launch of the war against Iran.
Nkhalamba said Israel’s Home Front Command was providing guidelines or instructions in case of drone or missile attacks from Iran with alerts for people to seek shelter in protected areas.
He said: “As such, the Government of Malawi is advising the Malawian diplomats and diaspora to adhere to the guidelines from the Israeli Home Front Command.”
Malawi Embassy in Israel charge d’affaires David Bisnowaty said in an interview yesterday that they are sending updates to all Malawians once they get alerts on imminent attacks.
He said the embassy has in its record at least 1 100 Malawians living in Israel and working in farms.
“The attacks are mostly targeting the cities not the villages. It is not the best situation to be in when the missiles are flying above. But everyone is safe and we are in contact with all Malawians,” he said.
A representative of the Malawi Society in Israel Austin Chipeta said in a separate interview that he had received reports from Malawians in farms and universities, all affirming their safety.
Israel attacked Iran on Friday, saying it was targeting nuclear sites. The move prompted Iran to launch retaliatory strikes.
Iran authorities said at least 78 people, including some nuclear scientists were killed and 320 others were injured.
The two sides continued exchanging strikes till Saturday night. At least 10 people were killed in Israel, according to Reuters.
